A GUIDE FOR A BETTER STAY

SELF-CARE WHILE AT AN ISOLATION LOCATION

You have been asked by Public Health — Seattle & King County to stay at a COVID-19 Recovery Location. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, we will follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals for your length of stay.

We truly appreciate your PLEASE NOTE: cooperation and your valued The current guidance is to stay isolated contribution to keeping until at least seven days after the onset vulnerable members of our of symptoms or 72 hours after a fever is community safe. gone—whichever is longer. lasts for 14 days after exposure to During this time, we ask that someone with COVID-19. The Department you remain in your unit until of Public Health Investigator will tell you healthcare professionals state exactly when your isolation or quarantine that you are well. This is can safely end. required to help with health and public safety as isolation ISOLATION helps slow the spread of in the community. The separation and restriction of movement of ill people to stop the We thank you for allowing us spread of that illness to others. People in to care for you during this isolation may be cared for in their homes, in , or at designated time and for the contribution facilities. you are making to the community by staying with us during your recovery from QUARANTINE COVID-19. The support team will be available to provide Applies to people who have been exposed to a contagious illness and may everything you need for your be infected but are not yet ill. Separating health and wellness during exposed people and restricting their this time. You will receive movements is intended to stop the contact information for the spread of that illness. Quarantine can be support team to connect with highly effective in protecting the public them as needed. from disease.

These coping tips are listed as a guide only. More coronavirus-specific details will be provided by the Department of Public Health Investigator (sometimes referred to as a DRIS which means Disease Research Intervention Specialist) working to support you during your stay. SELF-CARE WHILE IN AN ISOLATION LOCATION

USING FACEMASKS DURING YOUR STAY

If Public Health has arranged for you to receive essential medical care, please put on a face mask if a provider is coming in your room or if you are being transported for services

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after taking off a facemask and before touching anything else.

KEEPING SPIRITS UP WHILE UNDER THE CARE OF PUBLIC HEALTH Being under isolation or quarantine can create anxiety and stress. We have mental and behavioral health specialists available to support you if you are feeling this way. The job of your care team is to help you to heal quickly. Here are a few things you can do to support your wellbeing and healing:

Find out what you can about the illness from reliable sources. King County Department of Public Health Updates: https://www.kingcounty.gov/coronavirus

Talk to others in your support network about the illness and what you are experiencing. Speak up about what you need and what will help you through this time. Let your supports know what they can do to help you - a daily phone call, jokes, video chat, etc. Having a better understanding of the illness will reduce anxiety.

Stay in regular contact with your Department of Public Health investigator for any medical or mental and behavioral health needs you have. Also stay in contact with your isolation and quarantine support team member for all other needs. These teams will call you at least once a day, and are available via phone if you need their support.

Keep up a normal daily routine as much as safely possible while under the care of Public Health. Help your body heal from this illness by resting, staying hydrated, eating regularly, etc. SELF-CARE WHILE IN AN ISOLATION LOCATION

Maintain your self care and mindfulness practices. These may include meditation, reading, paying attention to what you need and are experiencing in the moment, or other practices you enjoy.

Think about how you’ve coped with difficult situations in the past and reassure yourself that you will cope with this situation too.

Exercise as your body feels okay to do so. Exercise is a proven treatment for stress and depression. Options could include dancing, floor exercises, yoga, jumping jacks, etc. If there is a small item (yoga mat, exercise bands, jump rope, etc.) that you believe would support your health, please let your support team know.

If you need to step outside to smoke, you may do so but please stay directly outside the door of your unit.

Family or friends may drop off personal items for you during your stay. Please notify your care team if someone is coming so the security guard knows to expect them. They will be able to leave items for you but will not be able to visit with you or enter the facility.

REDUCING BOREDOM WHILE UNDER WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE CARE OF PUBLIC HEALTH ADDITIONAL HELP

Being confined to a COVID-19 Response For mental and behavioral health support Location in King County for an extended speak with your care team if you would period of time can cause boredom, stress like additional mental and behavioral and conflict. health support during your stay:

Here are a few things you can do to Your care team will connect you via support your wellbeing and healing: telephone with a therapist or clinician who is able to provide Arrange with your boss to work a mental/behavioral health assessment, remotely and/or take sick leave brief counseling, case management, and interpreter services. Check in with your family and friends as Notify your care team if you would like often as you would like via phone. a behavioral health provider with expertise working with your cultural Let us know if there are supplies you and/or religious traditions to contact would like such as coloring books or art you. In addition, your behavioral health supplies. provider has translators on call.